love autumn

After a 3 week break, I've decided to come back as I've missed you:) Lots can happen in 3 weeks! Here are a few highlights...

Edits...They were blessedly brief. Editorial said some very interesting things about this book which I wish I could share here. But no spoilers! I was walking on air afterwards and hope you enjoy the story, too. Release date is September, 2012. I should have a new title for you any day now - and then another lovely cover, or so I hope...

Travel...Randy and I took a road trip to Eastern Washington, specifically Lake Chelan and then up in the mountains to a little western town called Winthrop - a perfect place to set a story! Lots of fall color and apple cider and nights sleeping by a peaceful lake and then a rushing river...

Bible study...My mom and I are attending a Beth Moore revised study on the life of David. I thought it was more for her than me as she suggested it. NOT! This amazing study has my name written all over it. I think every woman in the audience must feel the same. I've been so humbled and convicted with what I'm learning and plan to share some in devotional posts to come...

Boys...We're heavy into basketball and fiddling here, schoolwork, and getting ready for the holidays. My brother is coming from Spain for Thanksgiving and I'm so excited. It will be the first time in many years that our whole family has sat down for a holiday meal together...

Next book...Would you believe I'm already at work on my next book?

Enough about me. I'd love to hear how October has been for you. Bane or blessing. I've had a bit of both. I haven't forgotten your prayer requests and they've stayed with me the past few weeks. I'd love to hear about any answers to prayer. Mainly, I just want to hear from YOU!

Happy November!

fall break

Time to savor autumn. I'm expecting edits on this next book any minute and have a road trip planned, among other things. This is the month my new book cover happens, too, so am anxious to share that with you as soon as I can. I'll be away for a little while but thought I'd leave you with a quote I love...

The best things in life are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your right hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.

~Robert Louis Stevenson

Blessed autumn!

monday madness and more!

Happy Sunday...almost Monday!

Several things are happening this week and I hope you'll jump in:) First, one of my favorite historical authors, Liz Curtis Higgs, is interviewing at Overcoming Through Time and they're giving away a book of your choice by Liz. Any book! After being asked to do a review there, I can honestly say writing a book review is harder than writing a book! If you've not read any of Liz's books, it's like missing dessert! Please stop by if you can and comment. The spotlight on Liz lasts all week.

Next is my new friend, Amanda, who is giving away a copy of The Colonel's Lady starting today. Would you believe Amanda is only sixteen and has completed four novels?! Recently I met her at ACFW in St. Louis and we were able to chat a bit. She has a beautiful, generous spirit and offered to give away a copy of TCL that she recently bought just for the occasion. I hope you'll stop by and visit. I have a feeling we'll be holding one of of Amanda's books in hand someday.

Last but not least, the winner of One Thousand Gifts right here is...

Sara!

If you can email your snail mail addy to lauran@tfon.com, I'll mail that right out. Bless you all!

a sneak peek...

Here's a peek at my 18th-century dress:) I'll actually be wearing it at a couple of book venues in future, if I can still stuff myself into that corset after all the feasting in St. Lou! It's just the gown Roxanna Rowan would have worn, perhaps one of Bella's creations, straight out of the pages of The Colonel's Lady. Readers have been commenting that they're happy I made Roxie a kitchen diva - and glad Bella was a bit obsessed with her dresses;)

It's a quiet, rainy Friday here but there's still a bit of book buzz going on at Overcoming Through Time with a fun review of TCL and a giveaway by my dear friends Debra and Carrie. I'll close comments here in hopes you can join us over there. Just click on the highlighted link above to get there. If you've already read the book but would like to win for a friend or relative, please leave your name. We'd love to see you!

Happy Friday!

wednesday thoughts

Few delights can equal the presence of One whom we trust utterly.

Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life.

How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset.

I find that doing of the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans.

If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.

It is not the cares of today, but the cares of tomorrow, that weigh a man down.

~George MacDonald

"I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him (George MacDonald) as my master; indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him." C.S.Lewis

bittersweet, a book, and 2 beautiful blogs

Here's a bouquet of bittersweet for you, one of my favorite fall things. Love how the light is slanting across the table through those big windows and into the woods beyond.

It was a restful weekend and I'm so thankful after the busyness of St. Lou. I wrote a bit on my next novel, went out to dinner with family, and caught up on household chores. We also built our first fire of the season which means autumn is officially here. After church Sunday, Randy and I pressed several gallons of apple cider which is always fun and very Lael-like;) If you've read The Frontiersman's Daughter you'll know what I mean.

In the rush of last week I forgot to mention I'd brought home a book to give one of you. It's Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. I usually read a book before giving it away but haven't this one. Has anyone else read this and want to say something about it? If you'd like to be included in the drawing, please leave a comment below. I'll draw the winner next Monday, October 10th.

I also wanted to mention two sites I've just discovered. This past Saturday I spent some time soaking up the joy and color over at A Little Loveliness blogspot. It eased my homesickness for southern things just a bit and reminded me of the beauty of home and family and all the little celebrations in life. Thanks so much, Melissa, for your creative heart and for taking time for beloved books! If you'd like a little (a lot!) of southern hospitality, recipes, devotional thoughts and more, please spend some time at A Little Loveliness.

I've also discovered an inspiring, uplifting, writing site that is just a gem ~ Allen Arnold Writes. For the past 3 years I've attended workshops taught by Allen and he is has so much to say about writing and living a Christlike life and more.

So here's a Monday question for you... If you were to share a book or blog today, what would they be? If you've read One Thousand Gifts, what did you like best?